Pond Heater

[thegildednest]

I'm looking for a heater to keep my 100 gallon pond from freezing over this winter. Is there a type that heats the entire pond and not just an exhaust hole in the ice? I've been searching online but so far no luck!

[Evy]

I use a sinking stock tank heater (more efficient), along with a small air pump ( for aquariums / small ponds ) & a lg. airstone in a 350 & a 750 gal. tank. The airstone helps distribute the heat & keeps the water moving in that area. The ducks are in the tank enough to keep it all open unless the temps go below zero for an extended period. Those areas have plastic panels around them as a windbreak, as well. In a tank as small as 100 gal., you might get away with just the air. That's cheaper than heat.

[thegildednest]

Thanks Evy, I'll look into the air pump. I'd rather not heat the water if possible but I didn't know of any other way to keep the water from freezing. Just the thought of heating feces water doesn't sit too well. :wink:

[thegildednest]

What brand/size air pump do you use Evy (or anyone else)? I want to make sure to get one that is compatible with duck waste in such a small pond.

[Evy]

What brand/size air pump do you use Evy (or anyone else)? I want to make sure to get one that is compatible with duck waste in such a small pond.

I tried a couple little cheap submersible pumps ($10 on sale from WalMart or somewhere-a gift) & they lasted about 20 minutes. I never dismantled them to see if they burned out or just clogged, but I can't be bothered with something that always needs attention. What I use is an air pump with a long piece of tubing & a large airstone, like you'd use in an aquarium. It's mounted on the fence & came with a cover to protect it from the elements.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/inf ... tegory.web (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/23454/category.web) It's been several years but I think I paid about $30 for it. The ones shown are more but it'll give you an idea.

[thegildednest]

Thanks, this gives me a much better idea.